Letter: Tool for Economic Vitality in Sunapee

On election day in Sunapee, we would ask your support to pass Article 34, which states: “Shall the town vote to adopt the Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive outlined in the RSA 79-E; and further designate the Village-Commercial zoning district as defined by the Town of Sunapee Zoning Ordinance as the Development District for such purposes.” Where RSA 79-E has been used in other New Hampshire communities, projects have ranged from minor restorations to major developments.

The qualifying property must provide a public benefit. The public benefit could be restoring a historic building, promoting downtown development, or increasing the economic vitality of a commerical area. Adopting this article would provide the Board of Selectmen with discretion to deny applications and terminate an agreement. It provides transparency by requiring a public hearing and provides opportunity to further define qualifying structures.

I encourage you to support this article by voting “Yes,” and providing the town with another tool to help improve the economic vitality and tax base of Sunapee.